England remain hopeful that Jofra Archer's latest elbow problem is minor, despite the bowler sitting out a second successive IPL game yesterday.
Archer bowled four wicketless overs in Mumbai Indians' opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, but missed the defeat by Chennai Super Kings on Saturday after experiencing discomfort in his right elbow, which required surgery twice during a 22-month lay-off from international cricket.
His absence was described as precautionary, but the quick was again left out yesterday, as Mumbai beat Delhi Capitals by two wickets.
England are in touch with the franchise and Archer's fitness is being monitored in the run-up to Mumbai's next game on Sunday, though it is understood he is unlikely to be involved.
Archer made his England return earlier this year, featuring on white-ball tours to South Africa and Bangladesh, having come through the former's domestic SA20 franchise tournament as part of his comeback. He has not played competitive red-ball cricket since playing for Sussex against Kent
in May 2021, but had been planning to build up his workload at the IPL in a bid to be involved in this summer's Ashes series.
That must now be in significant doubt, however, with the series due to begin at Edgbaston on June 16 and England mindful of managing a player who they hope will be key to their 50-over World Cup defence in India in the autumn.
Test captain Ben Stokes yesterday talked up the value of having true pace at his disposal when Australia arrive, with England dreaming of having Olly Stone and Mark Wood, as well as Archer, firing on all cylinders.
"Having the option to bowl above 90mph, any captain wants that," Stokes told Sky Sports. "We've been clear with the ground staff what type of wickets we want and they have been responsive. We want flat, fast wickets."
